What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abortion
Example
She decided to have an abortion after discovering she was pregnant. [abortion: noun]
Example
The doctor performed an abortion on the patient. [abortion: noun]
miscarriage
Example
She suffered a miscarriage in her second trimester. [miscarriage: noun]
Example
The couple was devastated by the news of their miscarriage. [miscarriage: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Miscarriage is more common than abortion since it can occur naturally and without intention. However, abortion is still a prevalent topic in society and politics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abortion and miscarriage?
Abortion is a more formal term used in medical and legal contexts, while miscarriage is a more casual term used in everyday language.